Celtics Get Encouraging Development From Former First-Round Pick
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Celtics Get Encouraging Development From Former First-Round Pick
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 06: General Manager Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics watches warmups before a game against the Dallas Mavericks at the TD Garden on February 06, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) Getty
Keith Watkins·HEAVY
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5 min read
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 16: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter during the preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 125-120 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics reacts to shooting the game tying 3-point shot during the first overtime period against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 05: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics dunks and scores against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at the TD Garden on December 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) Getty
The Boston Celtics closed out the preseason with a 125-120 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. The result gave Boston a perfect 4-0 record heading into the regular season.
The circumstances made the win notable. Philadelphia started LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. Boston sat Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and the rest of its regular rotation. The Celtics trailed by 14 in the second half.
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Then Hugo González took over.
González Saved His Best for Last
Second-year guard Hugo González came off the bench and led the Celtics with 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, adding four rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 19 minutes. He connected on three of seven attempts from deep and did not commit a single turnover.
The 20-year-old played with a confidence level that has grown visibly since last season.
He attacked the rim against taller defenders, pulled up for a contested three over Maxey, and made his presence felt on the defensive end early when he took the ball from Brown and converted a dunk in transition.
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After the final buzzer, Brown walked straight to González to shake his hand.
"It was good to see some of the young guys," Brown told reporters. "To see them develop and get better, it's good to see."
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 16: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter during the preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 125-120 in overtime. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
What the Preseason Numbers Show
The 76ers game was not an outlier.
González was a consistent performer across all four preseason outings, converting better than 55 percent of his threes and over 63 percent from the field overall. He averaged14.5 pointswhile showing a polished catch-and-shoot game and a pull-up stroke that was not part of his toolkit as a rookie.
The improvement did not start in October. González spent the summer playing for Spain in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers before leading the Celtics in scoring during Summer League. The reps across different stages and settings have produced results that are hard to ignore.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 23: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics reacts to shooting the game tying 3-point shot during the first overtime period against theBrooklyn Netsat Barclays Center on January 23, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Why It Matters for the Celtics
Boston needs young players to develop. With Brown gone and the roster built around Tatum, contributors have to emerge from the margins.
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González earned immediate respect from the fanbase last season with his defensive energy and effort. What has changed is the offensive game. The shooting is more reliable. The ball-handling is tighter. The willingness to create for himself in contested moments is new. All of it points toward a real rotation role this season.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 05: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics dunks and scores against theLos Angeles Lakersduring the second half at the TD Garden on December 05, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Celtics
González finished the preseason with impressive numbers. He passed the eye test.
The regular season will test whether it holds up. The moments will be bigger and the margin thinner. But González earned the chance to prove he belongs.
